Beginner's Guide
What Are Pre-Rolls? Your Guide to Infused & Classic Options
A pre-roll is a factory-rolled cannabis cigarette that arrives ready to light. They come in classic (flower only) and infused varieties (flower plus concentrate), as singles or multipacks, and are one of the most popular formats at Unity Rd's Somerset and Maywood dispensaries because there is zero prep work involved.
The Basics: What Goes Inside a Pre-Roll?
At its simplest, a pre-roll contains ground cannabis flower packed into a rolling paper and finished with a crutch or filter tip. Producers use a paper cone — often made from hemp or rice paper — fill it with a measured amount of ground flower, then seal and label it for retail. The result is a consistently sized, evenly packed product every time.
Because the manufacturing process is standardized, each pre-roll from a licensed New Jersey producer must include third-party lab-tested flower with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that shows cannabinoid and terpene content, so you always know what you're getting before you light up.
Classic (Non-Infused) Pre-Rolls
A classic pre-roll contains only ground flower — nothing added. These are often the go-to choice for people who want to experience the natural terpene profile of a specific strain without any modification. If a brand grows a particularly aromatic cultivar, a classic pre-roll is the purest way to taste it.
Classic pre-rolls typically range from 0.5 g to 1.5 g each, and their potency reflects the THC or CBD percentage of the flower used. At Unity Rd in Somerset and Maywood, you'll find classic options from multiple licensed New Jersey brands — ask a budtender to pull up the COA for any product you're considering.
Infused Pre-Rolls: Flower Plus Concentrate
Infused pre-rolls add a layer of cannabis concentrate to the flower inside, outside, or both. Common infusion styles include:
- Kief-dusted: The exterior of the rolled paper is coated in kief (trichome powder), which raises total cannabinoid content without dramatically changing the burn.
- Hash or rosin-coated: A thin layer of solventless concentrate is applied inside or outside the paper.
- Distillate-injected: A cannabis oil distillate is infused directly into the ground flower before packing, producing an even distribution of concentrate throughout.
- Diamonds or live resin added: High-potency crystalline THCA or live resin is blended with flower for significantly elevated total cannabinoid percentages.
Because infused pre-rolls combine two or more cannabis inputs, their total THC percentages can be substantially higher than classic options. New consumers are generally advised to start with a smaller portion and wait to assess their experience before continuing — New Jersey's NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission responsible-use guidelines recommend starting with the lowest effective amount.
Singles vs. Multipacks: Which Format Fits You?
Pre-rolls are sold in two primary packaging formats in New Jersey dispensaries:
| Format | Typical Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 0.5 g – 1.5 g | First-time buyers, trying a new strain, occasional use |
| Multipack | 3, 5, or 10 pack of minis (0.35 g – 0.5 g each) | Regular consumers, variety exploration, sharing |
Mini pre-rolls in multipacks have grown in popularity because each mini is a smaller, self-contained session. Brands like Jeeter, Cookies, and others available at Unity Rd offer multipack formats that let you sample multiple strains in one purchase without committing to a full single.
How Pre-Rolls Are Labeled in New Jersey
Under N.J.A.C. 17:30, every pre-roll sold at a licensed dispensary must display:
- Total THC and total CBD percentages (pre- and post-activation where applicable)
- Net weight
- Cultivar (strain) name
- Batch and lot number linked to a COA
- A universal symbol indicating it contains cannabis
- The statement that the product was produced in a licensed NJ facility
Packaging must be child-resistant and opaque. These requirements make it straightforward to compare products side-by-side at the shelf or when browsing the Unity Rd online menu.
Why Consumers Choose Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls consistently rank among the top-selling cannabis formats nationally and in New Jersey for a few practical reasons:
- No equipment needed: Unlike flower that requires a grinder and pipe or papers, a pre-roll is a complete, self-contained experience.
- Consistent weight and pack: Machine-rolled options deliver a uniform draw each time.
- Portability: The tube or tin packaging used by most brands fits easily in a pocket or bag.
- Strain variety: A wide range of cultivars — sativa-leaning, indica-leaning, and hybrid — are available in pre-roll format at Unity Rd, giving consumers lots of options to find what suits them.
- Shareable format: Multipacks make it easy to bring a variety when meeting with other adult consumers.
Pre-Roll Brands at Unity Rd (Somerset & Maywood)
Unity Rd carries a rotating selection of pre-rolls from licensed New Jersey cannabis producers. Look for brands such as Jeeter, Cookies, GTI / Rhythm, Curaleaf, and others — availability varies by location and current inventory. Browse the live menu online or visit either store to see what's in stock today.
Not sure which format or strain is right for you? Our budtenders at Somerset and Maywood are trained to walk you through COAs, terpene profiles, and brand differences without any pressure. You can also contact us ahead of your visit with questions.
Need your order brought to you? Unity Rd offers same-day delivery within 15 miles of both our Somerset and Maywood locations — see our delivery page for eligibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
A non-infused pre-roll contains only ground flower. An infused pre-roll adds a cannabis concentrate — such as kief, hash rosin, distillate, or live resin — to the flower, which raises the total cannabinoid percentage compared to flower alone.
Single pre-rolls most commonly contain 0.5 g to 1.5 g of ground flower. Mini pre-rolls sold in multipacks are usually 0.35 g to 0.5 g each. The net weight is required to appear on the label under New Jersey cannabis regulations.
Yes. Unity Rd offers same-day cannabis delivery within 15 miles of our Somerset and Maywood dispensaries. Pre-rolls that are in stock and visible on the online menu are eligible for delivery orders, subject to current inventory.
Absolutely. Under N.J.A.C. 17:30, every licensed cannabis product must have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab. The batch or lot number on the label links to that COA, and our budtenders can pull it up for you in-store.
Pre-rolls can lose moisture and terpene potency over time. Most brands print a packaged-on or best-by date on the label. Storing unused pre-rolls in their original child-resistant container in a cool, dark location helps preserve quality until you're ready to use them.
Sources & Further Reading
- NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission — Responsible Use
- N.J.A.C. 17:30 Personal Use Cannabis Regulations (CRC)
Educational content only — not medical advice. Cannabis products are for adults 21+ with valid government-issued ID (or a valid NJ medical cannabis card). Never drive under the influence. Effects vary by person and product.
Ready to Explore Pre-Rolls?
Browse infused and classic pre-rolls on the Unity Rd menu for our Somerset and Maywood locations, or schedule a same-day delivery if you're within 15 miles.